Dear Uncle Phil

There are the
typical TV dads, and then there are the iconic ones. You have the Cliff
Huxtable's, the Carl Winslow's, and James Evans, but to me you stood out because
I grew up watching you on TV. You bought a new light to parenting that wasn't
seen before. You were kind, funny, interactive, steadfast, and even stern when
need be. But the most endearing trait about you was the fact that you gave
everyone love unconditionally and equally, even the new Aunt Viv. There were
moments of extreme moment where they really needed to lean on you, like when
Will's father left him again, or that time when Carlton was shot and when Trevor
died for Hilary. You did a pretty great job of raising Ashley and Nicky; they
came into their own very well. You also never lost sight of who were, and where
you came from. You often reminded people that you were from Yamacraw, North
Carolina and all of the things that you've done to support African Americans in
the 60's during the civil rights movement on the way to becoming The Honorable
Phillip Banks. All in all, you are missed as one of the greater TV dads because
some of us actually learned valuable and important lessons in how a man is
supposed to treat his family, all the while being his own individual. Now that
you're no longer here with us on this Earth, it's up to men like me and the ones
after to follow in your footsteps of support and love towards everyone that we
love and need our help. You can rest easy knowing that there's at least one man
willing to take up the mantle of loving his family like you did. I'm going to go
because I'm getting a little teary eyed thinking of all the times you've held
the family down and how much they love you. I'm going to quote some lyrics from
this rapper named J. Cole who also has the same sentiments that I have towards
you, rest easy.

- Dev

First things first, R.I.P. Uncle Phil.
For real, you the only father that I ever knew.
I get my chick pregnant, I'ma be a better you.